By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J.
Chicago teacher, performing artist and viral sensation Dwayne Reed is back with a new music video. Reed has partnered with local health care leader Abbott to inspire kids to “Stay Healthy.” Reed and Abbott launched the video to promote a new program from Abbott and the Abbott Fund called “Future Well Kids” to teach kids healthy habits now so they live are prompted to better lives in the future.
“Future Well Kids” launched in three schools in north suburban Waukegan, including: Clearview Elementary, McCall Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Middle (where the “Stay Healthy” video was filmed).
While National Health Education Week just ended, education is always on the front burner, and Reed is known as “America’s Favorite Rapping Teacher” and Chief Enthusiasm Officer (CEO) of TeachMrReed, the global education company inspiring the world to make learning fun again.
The passionate educator, prolific author, and speaker is also the widely-acclaimed host of the celebrity YouTube series “Mr. Reed Reads,” and animated facilitator of the popular U.S. book club tour “Reed-A-Long.”
Catapulted into notoriety by his blockbuster video, “Welcome to the Fourth Grade,” Reed and his work have been featured on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, BBC News, The Jimmy Kimmel Live Show, and in The Washington Post and Time Magazine.
Reed is committed to helping students gain lifelong skills and is more than excited about this new Abbott partnership. “I would like my videos and work in the education field to inspire kids to be their best selves – and one part of that is staying active and eating healthy. It’s a lot easier to start good habits today than to change them later on,” he said.
“I create music videos because they are one of the best ways I know to connect with young people. My first video, ‘Welcome to the 4th Grade,’ was just meant to introduce myself to my first class in Chicago, but it really connected with kids and parents across the country because I think it reminded everyone that learning should be fun. That’s why I’m so excited to launch my latest new music video, “Stay Healthy,” as a way to inspire kids to take steps now to live healthy for a lifetime.”
The video was filmed at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Waukegan, which, Reed says, is similar to a Chicago public school. In fact, the other schools mentioned above also have students enrolled who face the same challenges, such as living in food deserts. “Kids can’t always control the social and economic factors that impact their health, so this program is empowering kids to take charge of the things they can do to stay healthy.”
As a viral sensation, Reed spreads his message of inspiration and empowerment that reaches a weekly audience of more than 50,000 followers, subscribers, readers, listeners, and fans. Each month, hundreds of new and aspiring teachers attend his engaging live seminars and rousing, interactive workshops, to experience the thrill of teaching.
As an avid philanthropist, Reed has partnered with other iconic brands that include 3M, Old Navy and Arby’s to celebrate educators and raise awareness of youth issues. Mr. Reed also supports countless youth charities, after-school programs, and educational nonprofits dedicated to student-centered learning and academic achievement.
To see Reed’s video, visit
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader newspaper. She is also the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood–South Side of Chicago.” For book info, [email protected].
